Keeping Liam from getting bitten by mosquitoes is one of my main struggles as a new parent. News of rising dengue cases are really scary. In fact my own brother was admitted for dengue a couple of months ago :( So glad he’s recovered.

It doesn’t help matter that I do take Liam along for my dog walking sessions daily in a nearby park where mossies thrive!

It’s a weekly occurrence that he gets bitten at least a few times and it pains me to see the bumps on his skin :(

Thing is, while I could use powerful mosquito repellant on myself, I can’t do so for Liam as he’s just a baby with delicate skin. Lets not even begin on the risks of his skin developing allergies.

There are plenty of products out there in the market for babies and kids but my favourite currently is from the trusted brand name, Tiger Balm.

Coming in packs of 10s, each patch is individually packed to ensure its efficacy.

I love that the patches have only natural active ingredients and no scary chemicals such as DEET.

It’s very easy to use. Just open the packet, take the patch out and peel off the back layer and stick it on clothes, prams/strollers or baby carriers. It’s sufficiently sticky and works best on fabric material.

No worries about it leaving sticky residue, not on my stuff anyway.

I use the patches on our walks, sticking one to Liam’s baby carrier. I swear it keeps both of us from mossie bites. There’s no need for skin contact, a huge plus.

I also stick the patches on Liam’s clothes when he’s playing in his play yard, which is located in the corner of the living room, a favourite hangout place for nasty mosquitoes.

And of course, Liam has been mossie bites free since I started using the patches.

That to me, is the biggest reason why I love Tiger Balm’s Mosquito Repellent Patch.

I kept thinking I blogged here not too long ago. And then I realised that it’s been 25 days. Shit.

I have been updating my Dayre diligently though, because it’s just easier. Whoever that is still reading this, thank you.

I guess I should start with the new year. We spent it in Genting, as we had for the previous years. The clock struck 12 while I was breastfeeding Liam, hence the picture below of me with a nursing cover around my neck. That’s okay :)

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My son has grown a lot. He’s now a hefty >7kg baby, a far cry from his lightest, at 1.76kg. I am so proud of him. His character is starting to shine though and I can say now that he’s pretty good-natured. The first thing he does the moment he opens his eyes everyday is to smile at us.

I am now a stay at home mom and I thank my lucky star everyday that I am able to just enjoy every moment of being with Liam while he grows up.

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The other day my husband and I were chatting about parenthood and we both agree that it’s one thing that is definitely not over-rated or exaggerated. Parents always say it’s the best feeling ever, it’s fulfiling etc etc etc and of course it is. But you don’t really get it until you produce a flesh and blood of your own. I really feel it’s the most rewarding thing I have ever gotten myself into. And with that a new found empathy for other parents.

I was watching a musical (Mamma Mia!) with my mother-in-law a few weeks ago and there was a mother seated near us with a toddler who had obviously just learnt to speak. The little girl just wouldn’t stop…..

I mean, I would give someone a piece of my mind for being noisy over my RM50 movie ticket if you know what I mean. I think the mother must had been sweating bullets as one ticket costed an upwards of RM300. But I kept quiet and stayed positive and just tried to enjoy the show with the extra sound effects. Cause really, I think she would not bring her daughter to the show if she really had a choice. She didn’t need the additional stress from me.

I hope the universe will reward me with similar empathy should that day come that I am forced to bring Liam to a grown-up event haha.

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Oh and Liam got bitten by a mossie (I think) and rocked a swollen eye for a few days. We successfully stayed calm and didn’t drive to ER.

It came down a few days later and he’s my handsome boy again hehe.

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I have lost all my pregnancy weight. I didn’t really do much other than breast-feeding and taking care of a baby. This is me most of the time.

Best weight loss method? Give birth, breast feed and don’t hire help.

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Oh and we went for tea at Carcosa Seri Negara. That was nice :)

Liam even sat in the big boy’s chair while we ate.

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And we finally got the highchair that we wanted for Liam. It’s got wheels, can be reclined and has adjustable height. It buys us some time to do whatever that needs to be done whenever Liam’s in it. Of course, BabyFirst channel on the tele helps too hehehe….

What I love most though is that he could watch me while I work in the kitchen. I started cooking more regularly thanks to this chair.

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There are more updates really, but I think that’s all for now cause it’s almost 6am and I better feed the baby!